Phineas F. Bresee - A Prince In Israel - Media Sabda Org

two or three times, and then laugh aloud, sometimes until the tears came to his eyes. I shall never
forget his ringing laughter on these occasions.
Humility
Great as he was, he entertained a poor opinion of himself. He was unusually modest. I never knew
him to boast. Always underrating his own ability and attainments, he felt that he had accomplished
very little for the Savior whom he loved so fervently, and served so devotedly. He seemed to enjoy
talking of his own deficiencies, laughed over the difficulty which he had ever experienced in
spelling, acknowledged that his method of preparing sermons was bad, insisted that he had a poor
memory, and deplored the fact that his religious experience fell far short of the spiritual life of many
of his brethren.
He was an example of industry, a tireless worker. Possessed of great physical strength, he was
able to endure almost unremitting toil. He habitually did the work of three ordinary men. I once
asked him many years ago: "Why, Brother Bresee, when do you rest?" His laconic reply was,
"Nights."
He had remarkable intensity of purpose. Having once determined upon a course of action, he
pressed on toward the goal, undaunted by opposition, undeterred by difficulty. He learned early in
life the value of desperation in bringing things to pass. And yet he was not stubborn, or unduly set
on having his own way. He valued highly the counsel of those whom he esteemed.
Control of Time and Money
I never knew another man who had such perfect control of two things that are most difficult to
manage, time and money. I take it that our ability to dominate these, and to prevent them from
getting away from us without being fully utilized, is in a large degree the measure of our strength.
Dr. Bresee was hardly ever in a hurry, or greatly pressed for time. He carefully planned to meet
all his appointments on time. He possessed singular precision. He saw a long way ahead, and
allowed himself ample time for preparation. It could be truthfully said of him that he was never late
at a religious service, and never missed a boat or other public conveyance. He allowed himself a
sufficient margin, and enjoyed his spare time, not before he started, but after he had boarded his
train. I have been in his home when the time came to start for church. He would say: "Everybody
who is going to church get ready." Then he would put on his own hat and overcoat, and stand in an
attitude of brisk expectancy until the others were ready. If they showed any signs of lagging, he had
a pleasant but effective way of stirring them into action. Although extremely generous and
freehanded, he so managed his financial affairs as always to have a little money on hand. When taxes
were due, he had the funds to pay them. When a trip was to be made, he had the requisite means to
make it with. When a friend was in dire need, he was always able to put his hands upon the amount
required to meet the emergency. I could give many instances of this latter trait that came within by
own observation.